Carson Palmer : 2001 Draft Day Picks

Carson Palmer was born on December 27, 1979senior year. Under offensive coordinator Norm
in Fresno, California. Although Palmer does notChow, Palmer ended the season with 3,942 yards
have the athleticism of some of the other greaton 309 completions. This went along with 33
NFL quarterbacks, he has everything that hetouchdowns and just 10 interceptions. To cap off
needs to succeed. This includes having a stronghis great senior season Palmer was awarded with
arm, great pocket presence, and being one of thethe Heisman Trophy.
smartest quarterbacks in the league.In the 2003 NFL Draft Palmer was selected with
Palmer played high school football at Santathe first overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Margarita Catholic High School. As a senior,After not touching the field during his rookie
colleges from all over the country took notice ofseason, he was then thrust into the heat of the
him as he passed for 31 touchdowns and onlybattle. In his first full season in 2004 Palmer
four interceptions. When his high school careerpassed for 2,897 yards. He followed this up with
was over, Palmer held 27 school records.3,836 yards in 2005, and a trip to the playoffs.
After high school Palmer decided to play at theUnfortunately, Palmer tore both the ACL and MCL
University of Southern California. During hisin his left knee in a first round game against the
freshman season in 1998, Palmer was named thePittsburgh Steelers.
starting quarterback in the ninth game of theThe 2006 season was Palmers' first since the
season; a position that he would hold for the restinjury, and it did not appear to hold him back at all.
of his career.He finished with 4,035 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Palmer had three up and down seasons for theThere is plenty more of this to come.
Trojans, but things changed dramatically during his